VE Day singers and homeowners in harmony

RESIDENTS of our Platinum Skies’ Chapters retirement village in Salisbury joined together on VE Day for an afternoon of celebratory music from their balconies. With many homeowners in isolation we decided to put on a special ‘socially-distanced’ music event to celebrate the heroism of the wartime generation.

Chapters resident Peter with his fond memories of VE Day.

Local band, The Soda Pops arrived in military uniform and performed classics from the 1940s era in the courtyard garden. The surrounding balconies were draped in Union Jack bunting with residents singing and dancing from the safety and comfort of their homes.

The on-site Lifestyle Manager also prepared cakes and prosecco to give the party an extra swing.

David Hines, Chief Operating Officer of Platinum Skies, comments, “Across the country, we’ve been marking the day the war in Europe ended in 1945. Unfortunately, the celebrations have been greatly muted due to the coronavirus outbreak. We decided to do what we could to keep spirits up and organise this safe and upbeat ‘socially-distanced’ to pay homage on VE Day. It is so encouraging to see that our residents remain positive and were all so keen to join in this musical celebration. We are delighted that we can support our community by organising activities like this, to help raise a smile and provide light relief through this period.”

Chapters is a brand new retirement village in the centre of Salisbury, which will ultimately deliver 197 apartments, cottages and larger houses, as well as an on-site bistro, activity suite, treatment rooms and private lounge areas. The first phase, Constable Court which overlooks the courtyard garden, is now nearly sold out, with apartments now available to purchase in Lawrence Lodge and Wren Pavilion.

Mike Lyons, Operations Director at Platinum Skies, said: “This musical event is the latest in our activities to help residents through this time. We’ve recently delivered free food parcels to those homeowners who have requested them. Our on-site Lifestyle Managers are also on hand with advice and setting up food delivery to residents’ doors, so they don’t run out of supplies, whilst everyone has been looking out for the most vulnerable individuals, making sure they have their daily newspaper and essentials, like milk and eggs. Despite being unable to meet up in person, the sense of community has never been stronger.”